The Hamilton Khaki Field watches don’t need an introduction in the market. However, its immense popularity hasn’t deterred the brand from continuously upgrading and modifying its trademark series to new levels. This is just in: the Hamilton Khaki Mechanical Field 38mm series is getting three brand-new color additions!
Previously, moving away from bracelets and leather straps, the brand added the option of NATO straps to this series. Now, they’re offering a mix of colorful dials with various casing options. Two new stainless steel cases have been added to the series, one with a crisp white dial and the other with a flashy blue dial. However, the third one captured most of the attention due to its warm aesthetic. It features a white dial in a beautiful bronze case.
Now, before we delve into too many details about the new inclusions, let’s get an insight into the oldest field watches that left a mark on the history of the world.
Hamilton Watches: The “Railroad Timekeeper of America”
For over 130 years, Hamilton has been a prominent name in the watchmaking industry. There’s a strong legacy behind this. Originally based in Pennsylvania, Hamilton played a crucial role in the United States’ westward expansion by creating reliable and accurate railroad watches.
As railroads began expanding in 1912, Hamilton’s sturdy pocket watches became indispensable tools for railroad conductors. However, with the onset of World War I, Hamilton’s focus shifted from being the acknowledged “Railroad Timekeeper of America” to creating wristwatches for soldiers, who required easy-to-read and robust timepieces.
Hamilton’s first “trench watches” were essentially re-engineered pocket watches that were more suitable for military use. When the troops returned home, wristwatches gained popularity in civilian life, marking a shift from pocket watches to wristwatches as the dominant type of personal watch.
History Of The First Field Watches
During World War II, Hamilton boldly discontinued all civilian production and focused entirely on manufacturing watches for the US soldiers. These watches featured chrome-plated base metals, luminous paint for low-light visibility, and manually wound 17-jewel movements. Known for their rugged military utility, they became the forerunners of the Khaki collection.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Hamilton continued to supply watches to U.S. military units, adhering to strict specifications set by the U.S. Department of Defense. According to specifications, a field watch had to include features such as accuracy between +/- 30 seconds per day, a hacking seconds function, and resistance to water and magnetism. Hamilton was one of the few companies that met these criteria, alongside other manufacturers like Timex, Benrus, and Westclox.
The Hamilton military watches of this era established the quintessential field watch look. They featured black dials with legible white Arabic numerals, an inner ring of smaller 24-hour numerals, and a minute track with triangular markers at each hour. This design debuted during the Korean War years and became a defining military watch feature.
From A Military Watch To A Civil Watch: Journey Of The Hamilton Field Khaki
After pioneering the classic field watch, the brand relocated its manufacturing to Switzerland in 1969. Soon after, Switzerland’s Swatch Group acquired Hamilton watches in 1974. Hamilton reformed its military piece under the “Khaki” collection and began marketing it to civilians.
It was a seamless transition since people already found the design quite appealing. Early modern Khaki watches were co-branded with renowned retailers like L.L Bean, Brookstone, and Orvis, establishing the “Khaki” logo on the dials.
Officially launched as a civil field watch in the 1960s, the Hamilton Field Khaki Watch retained the “Khaki” name inspired by its military origin. The line continued to feature an easily readable dial, sturdy construction, and a no-nonsense design, which resonated with outdoor enthusiasts of the time.
Further down the line, Hamilton strategically placed Khaki watches in movies and television shows, associating the brand with popular culture and cinematic heroes. This marketing made Hamilton watches a lot more relevant in modern media, making them desirable to a global audience.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Vs Automatic Field Watch
Here’s our reminder that the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical watch came much before the Hamilton Khaki Automatic watch. Although most people may prefer the convenience of the automatic field watch, the mechanical version is still highly sought-after. The mechanical watch is deeply rooted in US history and has a certain old-school charm to it. Watch collectors still prefer the historical value over the automatic, but both versions have an undeniably huge fan base.
The Mechanical field watch features a 38-mm and a 42-mm case, slightly larger than its 1940s predecessor, and powered by the manually wound Caliber H-50. Based on the ETA 2801-2, this movement has a slowed-down balance frequency for an extended 80-hour power reserve. The “Old Radium”-colored Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers has a vintage charm. The series is priced at around $500, depending on the strap and case material.
In contrast, the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic has the added convenience of its self-winding Caliber H-30 movement, which boasts an 80-hour power reserve. Available in 38mm, 40mm, and 42mm sizes, these watches come with a variety of dial colorways and strap options. The Automatic models also include some additional functions like a date or Day-Date display. Priced for around $900, the watch remains one of the best field watches in the market today.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38MM Watch
The pioneering quintessential field watch, the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm is typically what people are after when they are looking for “field watches”. The models in this series have a no-nonsense vintage design and a sleek 38mm sandblasted case.
Powered by the manual-winding Caliber H50, the Hamilton Field Khaki Mechanical boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve, 21,600vph, and 17 jewels. Its simple, readable dial features a 24-hour scale inner ring and luminescent numerals and hands for perfect visibility in low-light conditions. Originally available with leather and bracelet straps, Hamilton has recently introduced several durable NATO straps to this lineup.
The Three New Color Additions To The Field Khaki Mechanical
Now to the main point. The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm Watch has recently introduced three stunning new dials and case colors. Choose from a stainless steel version with a white dial, a bronze case with a white dial, or a steel case with a striking blue dial. Let’s see them up close.
White Dial In A Stainless Steel Case: H69439910
The striking white dial is a refreshing take on a classic Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. This new version features green Super-LumiNova, replacing the vintage beige lume seen in previous models. The large black numerals for 1–12 o’clock and a smaller 13–24-hour scale provide excellent readability. A 60-minute track with triangular luminous markers complements the black syringe-style hour and minute hands, and the black arrow-shaped second hand adds a distinctive touch. It comes paired with a black textile NATO strap, giving off a classic black-and-white retro vibe.
White Dial In A Bronze Case: H69459510
Our favorite out of the new additions is undoubtedly the white dial in a CuSn8 bronze case. The new Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm features a warm bronze hue, contrasting beautifully with the white dial. The bronze case, known for its anti-corrosion properties, develops a unique patina over time. The white dial with beige lume adds a touch of vintage military charm. The caseback is made with lightweight and hypoallergenic titanium. It comes in a chocolate brown calf leather NATO strap, which enhances the watch’s elegant yet rugged look.
Blue-Dial In A Stainless Steel Case: H69439940
The third addition adds a splash of color to the whole Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical lineup. It is a vibrant, eye-catching timepiece with a blue dial and stainless steel case. The sandblasted stainless steel case is paired with a blue dial featuring crisp white markers for all three scales. The triangular markers and handset are coated with vintage-inspired beige Super-LumiNova. Accompanied by a blue textile NATO strap, this model exudes a dynamic, cohesive look to the whole collection.
Other Variations In The Hamilton Khaki Series
Over the years, Hamilton incorporated several other elements into the Khaki lineup. The Khaki line has now expanded from “field watches” to include various sub-collections like the Hamilton Khaki Navy and the Khaki Aviation watch. Each sub-line caters to specific land, air, and sea adventures.
Khaki Aviation Watch
The Khaki Pilot watch has its roots in World War II. The series re-emerged prominently in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It features pieces with case sizes ranging from 38mm to 46mm and offers moderate water resistance suitable for daily wear. Equipped with aviation-specific features like chronographs, GMT displays, and slide-rule bezels, the line is ideal for navigation and flight calculations. The Hamilton pilot watch lineup includes well-known models like the Aviation Pilot and Aviation Converter.
Khaki Navy Watch
This is the official Hamilton dive watch lineup. The Navy watch series has been a distinct line since the early 2000s, although Hamilton’s maritime legacy dates back much further. Designed for underwater and shipboard operations, these watches typically feature case sizes from 40mm to 46mm. They offer high water resistance, often up to 300 meters or more, making them perfect for diving. The Navy watch is equipped with additional diving features like luminous hands and markers, as well as rotating bezels. The watch is well-suited for underwater environments. This lineup has some great models like Navy Scuba and the Navy BeLOWZERO.
Rounding Up
Owing to a century-old legacy, Hamilton makes one of the best Field Watches in the market, if nothing else. The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm Watch series is a delightful blend of vintage charm and modern flair. Better yet, the brand is still upgrading the series with brand-new flairs.
All three new colorways celebrate the series’ military past. The upgrades are not huge as such since the series is already near perfect. This series proves that true icons don’t need reinvention—just a touch of refinement through time. As we eagerly await future releases, it’s clear that Hamilton will keep the original charm and design of its field watch and mix it up with modern elements.
FAQ
To wind your Hamilton Field Automatic watch, start by pulling out the screwed-down crown and turning it counterclockwise until it pops up. Hold the watch in your left hand, and use your right to turn the crown clockwise, winding it 30-40 times. Finally, press and turn the crown clockwise to return it to its natural position.
Yes. The Hamilton Field Khaki is a fantastic watch. It combines vintage military style with modern updates. It’s also perfect for all outdoor adventures, making it a great tool to watch for everyday use.
Absolutely, the Hamilton Field Khaki Mechanical is worth it. The watch is built to last the vigorous strains of the outdoors. Starting at around $500, you’re getting a lot of quality from this.
Choosing the right Khaki depends on your needs and preferences. If you love classic manual-winding watches, the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. Those who prefer automatic movements should go for the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic. Other than that, the Hamilton Khaki Navy is ideal if you need a watch for diving. There’s also an Aviation watch collection if you prefer that. Each model offers something unique, so pick the one that fits your lifestyle best.
